At this year’s UT Energy Week, the Poster Competition proved that the future of energy research is not only bright—it’s interdisciplinary, collaborative, and deeply rooted in student-led innovation.
Hosted by the Energy Institute in partnership with the Longhorn Energy Club, American Nuclear Society and Switch Energy Club, the competition brought together undergraduate and graduate researchers from across the Forty Acres, and some additional throughout the region, including Mexico, to present work in energy technology and policy. With over $9,000 in prizes awarded across two tracks, the competition didn’t just recognize excellence—it amplified it.
More than a showcase, the Poster Competition fostered dialogue that bridges academic silos and pushes the boundaries of energy innovation. By drawing participants from departments across campus and throughout the region, and engaging attendees from industry and academia alike, the event sparked conversations that extended far beyond the posters themselves.
"The UT Energy Week Poster Competition was more than a research showcase—it became a catalyst for cross-disciplinary dialogue on cutting-edge energy solutions,” said Pranav Thacker, Second Place Winner in the Energy Technology track and PhD candidate in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering. “Beyond presenting posters, participants exchanged ideas on entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and ways to strengthen the impact of ongoing research.”
